Wooden Tags

I spent a couple of hours with my sister yesterday, making some tags.  Mostly Christmas ones - I know it seems early but we have to start NOW!

I was not organised (again) and just grabbed some things to take across to play with  - it did not seem much, but look at this mess on her craft room floor - all mine

First off I will show you the ones I made using wooden tags as a base

Tag 1 - Stamped Tag - this was the quickest and easiest and was definitely my favourite.

Just get your Christmas Stamps, and stamp all over it .. easy

Tag 2 - Wooden embellishments

I used a page from a book as the backing piece and then covered that with a lovely blue snowflake scrapbook paper.  Glued a wooden snowflake on top which had been aged with the DecoArt Oak Wood Stain - stamped "Believe" on a small piece of Kraft Cardstock and then to keep the natural theme, just used a piece of jute for the tie.  You cannot tell from this photo, however I also used the wood stain around the edges of the tag to finish it off.

Tag 3 - stamped embellishments

This is similar to tag 2, the wooden tag was covered with Christmas scrapbook paper, then the wooden number embellishment was stamped to colour it and then glued on - another quick and easy tag, with great results.

Tomorrow I will show you the tags I made using the Core-dinations White Core Tags

Just in case you were wondering, I did clean up my mess before I went home.  All packed up, ready to take home

Until tomorrow

Judy

Little Lavender Pyramids

These are so easy and quick to make.  Each one just uses 2 x 4" squares of fabric, a 4" piece of ribbon and a handful of lavender.  Great project for using up more of those scraps.

I found the idea on Pinterest and then sourced the original tutorial here.  I have been having trouble sleeping, so tonight one of these little lavender pyramids is going to be placed under my pillow to see if that helps. 

 

Single side view

 

How would you package these lavender pyramids?  Individually, or two together.  I placed one and then two into a clear box, but I am not happy with the results.  It will need more playing to find the "right" way to present these little gifts.

 

 

 

The little ribbon hanger will allow these pyramids to be hung on hangers in your wardrobe to keep your clothing smelling fresh and clean. You can also hang them on a hook or door knob or just anywhere you wish. I think I will hang one in my linen closet as lavender is a natural moth and insect repellent . If the lavender scent begins to fade, you just need to squeeze it to make them release more of their natural oil.

Pinterest has given me lots of ideas for small gifts, and I cannot wait to try them.  I will be sure to share them with you, and let you know where I found the information.

 

Until next time

Judy

Three Finished

I have finished three Breast Cancer Drain Bags - need to finish at least six more before the end of September, so I had better get a wiggle on!

Do you recognise the pink one?  It is one that was cut out, way back here.  I have still not finished the other lined travel bag and Japanese Knot Bag that I had cut out ready to sew.  Still on the list.

Making the Breast Cancer Drain Bags are a fabulous way to use up your stash of fabric and help a great cause as well.

I know I will meet my target this month, as I have a friend coming to help sew tomorrow night?  I wonder how many we will get made?  I will let you know.

Enjoy your week
Judy

Quick Candle Gifts

Do you need a gift in a hurry?  Well these two candle ideas may help you?

1.  Fabric or Washi tape tea lights

Take your basic tea light - these ones are lavender and smell divine

 

Now, just wrap your fabric tape around each one - it is the ideal size

 

 

Now don't they look much better?

 

Pop them into a box and wrap with a bow - all done!

 

 

 

2. Glade Candle Re-Do

 

I love the smell of scented candles. This Glade candle is a favourite - Apple & Cinnamon.

 

 

Carefully peel off the labels - Glade even gives you instructions on where to peel it off - very kind

 

 

Now you have a "bare" candle - all you need now is a "rub-on".  These are primarily used in scrap booking and card making.   Rub the saying or quote of your choice on the side of the glass.

 

 

Super easy. Place in cellophane bag, tie a ribbon, and you have a quick and easy personalised gift.

 

 

Do you have any super quick and easy gifts?  I would love to hear about them

 

Until next time

Judy

 

 

 

 

 

Busy with the Online Store

I am afraid there has not been any craft happening in my world for the last couple of weeks.
I have been buying for my online store, and with that comes the task of pricing, and loading it to the store, and then my least favourite part, packing it all away.

I have added some wooden message tags to the store, this is a new range for me .. and my sister has used one on a card.

This is the tag before ...

 

Then this is what it looked like after it had been stamped and mounted on a Kraft card.

 

 

The wooden tags and buttons are fabulous as you can leave them raw, paint them, stain them, or as my sister found out, even stamp them.  Check out the message tags and other wooden tags here

 

The other new products that she played with was the Tilda paper roses and Tilda bird buttons.  This card is absolutely gorgeous

 

 

 

You can find the products used for this card here

Paper Roses

Bird Buttons

Vellum Tags

 

 

I have a friend that is coming to help make the Breast Cancer Drain Bags with me .. so I should be able to get back to being able to make and donate my usual six bags per month ... I promise Belinda!  I already have 3 cut out ready to go. 

 

We only have one more week officially of Winter, and I am really looking forward to Spring and the warmer weather.  More time to get outside and get active!

 

Until next time

Enjoy your day and your crafts

Judy



 

Thank You

Thank you for all the kind words that you left for me following the sudden passing of my Mum.  It helped to console my heart and I am grateful for the many friends I have in cyberspace. 

I have not been in the mood for any craft until this week, when I decided to try and convert my parents photo onto canvas.  I had read of many ways to achieve this and the easiest one I thought was the one that was explained on Sarah's Never-Ending Projects Blog here.

Printing on tissue paper?  How hard could this be!  Well, following the instructions, I tried .. all seemed to work fine, until I went to glue it on the canvas .....

Sorry about the quality of the photo, I was not aware it was in the shade when I took it, and when I saw it, I thought, oh well, in keeping with the mistakes on the photo. 

Can you see the problem(s) - the tissue paper had creases in it, when it went through the printer.  Then when trying to get it smooth on the canvas, it left big white stripes. Sorry Dad!

So I tried again, a better result this time, but I still think there is room for improvement.  Using the tissue paper, the grain of the canvas comes through giving a lovely effect

Can you see the bottom right hand side corner, where I did not centre the photo, and then had to touch it up with paint?    I am going to have another attempt to see if I can better the results, ensuring that I get all the creases out of the tissue paper first.  One of the other steps that I changed in the second photo, was that I ironed the tissue paper onto Freezer Paper, just as if you were going to print on fabric - it seemed to create a smoother finish, although you must work slowly to remove the tissue paper from the freezer paper after printing.  Another hint, wait a little while before doing this, so that you give the ink time to dry.

I have many more ideas using this technique, so I want to be able to perfect it soon.

I also added another toy to my craft supplies, check out this beauty ...

Come back soon, to see what use I have put it to ...

My brother and family are coming home this weekend, so I am hoping that I get the children for a craft day.  They motivate me so much with their enthusiasm, and ideas.

Wishing you all a great weekend

Judy

Tears

My Mum passed away suddenly last week.  I am not coping real well, so will be back soon.

Mum

is the one who has shown us the way,

who's nurtured and guided us day after day...

Mum

is the one who is there by our side

with loving support and a heart full of pride...

Mum

is the one who forever will be

so needed and loved by her whole family.

Love you Mum

Judy

Busy weeks

Sorry, no craft to show, but I have been busy in other areas.
Very successful trade table last weekend at Barellan, thank you.
My Mum now has carpet in the bedrooms, a working kitchen & bathroom, however she has since fallen ill.  Hopefully it is only a passing virus and a couple of days in bed, will be the cure?

I was reading through posie patchwork blog about charity quilts and laundry bags for our soldiers, and thought "what a great idea"!  If you are interested check out this link

Until next time
Judy

Tradesmen!!!

The best laid plans, come undone.  We had a early morning visit from the Carpet Laying Company to say that their carpet layer was sick, therefore was unable to start laying the carpets today.  Not sure when he will be back on deck!

Then, we had news that the kitchen benchtops had not yet arrived in town, and that the kitchen sink was still weeks away... now hopefully my readers have determined that I am a lady, but let me tell you, a few curse words were uttered when I heard this.

This is the disadvantage of living in a small country town, where there are no big shops that stock general building or household supplies.  I was peeved, imagine how my Mum feels when it is at least another week before she can use the kitchen!

Lets hope the carpet layer has not got anything serious wrong with him, and that he is better tomorrow, PLEASE?

I think I need to go and beat a rug or something to release my aggression/anger.

Hopefully better news tomorrow

Judy

Updates (or not)

You may have noticed that I have fallen off of the edge of the blogosphere for the past week and I cannot see it getting any better this week.  Life has been crazy, the repairs at my Mum’s house, is dragging out, although I am pleased to say that they now have a bathroom after being without for over 3 weeks.  Waiting on kitchen bench tops, and fingers crossed the carpet will be laid in the bedrooms tomorrow.  Goodbye, cold, drafty  floorboards. 

As you can imagine, I have been cooking and providing transport and bathroom services while all this is going on.  To say my Mum is looking forward to having her house to herself again is an understatement.

This weekend, I have a trade table with my buttons and sewing notions at the Barellan Quilt Exhibition.  This is being held in the Barellan Hall, so I hope to see some of my local readers there.  I have two shipments of NEW buttons on their way from the USA, but my luck, they will not arrive in time for this weekend.  Not a problem really, as I have about another 1,000 packs to take!

Hope you are having more luck with your craft than I am at the moment.  I will catch up soon.

Judy

New Tissue Cover and Reasons

Well, I found out the reason I was so flat yesterday, I woke this morning with a slight head cold ... bleary eyes and sniffles.  Hope I have caught it before it gets worse!

I made a new tissue cover today, still a work in progress as I think the measurements may need to change slightly.  Not sure if it is practical, but looks OK.

I do not like having to take tissues out of their packaging to insert into this cover.  Health reasons, handling the tissues that someone is going to use!

Opens either end

Closes by pulling buttons through centre opening.

I also finished off more pink ribbon card holder key rings for the fundraising dinner. I love how these are turning out.

I still have the breast cancer drain bags, japanese knot bag and lined travel bag to complete.  It is always good to have things lined up ready to sew, right?

Happy sewing

Judy

Not Motivated

Do you ever have one of those days, everything is ready for you to "craft" but you are not in the mood.  The housework is done, a big batch of chicken soup bubbling in the slow cooker, a dull overcast day all pointing to available time in the craft studio, however I am "flat"!

I have pink ribbon card holder key rings, all cut out ready to sew

Fabric cut out ready for a lined travel bag

While I had the patchwork themed fabric out, I also cut out another Japanese Knot Bag and Breast Cancer Drain bag.

Everything is cut out, ready, I just need to sit at the sewing machine!  Oh well, maybe after lunch, I will find my mojo and get started

During the week I did get some more soap sweaters finished.  My sister found some Panda Feltable Wool at Spotlight and send half a dozen balls to me ... the wool is nice and soft and Australian! Ideal for the soap sweaters.

What gets you motivated?  Do you ever want to craft but are just "not in the mood"?  (Like Me)

Judy

Japanese Knot Bag

This little bag has intrigued me for awhile now.

 I first saw it posted here.  I left a comment on this blog that I would love a tutorial to make the bag.  FarahLin kindly sent me the name of the magazine that had the pattern, however I was unable to purchase it in Australia.  Then, bloggers being the kindhearted people that they are, she kindly scanned the pattern and emailed it to me ... THANK YOU FarahLin

I had a little bit of difficulty with the pattern instructions, and had to use my unpick, but once the pattern was deciphered, it was very easy to put together.

It is quite roomy inside, and the idea is to pull the larger handle through the smaller handle to close it.

I think they will make great gifts, and I want to make one in Christmas Fabric (as a gift bag) and another in "elegant" fabrics for evening.  They are large enough to pop your wallet, mobile phone, keys etc in, and the good part is that you can pop them in the washing machine to clean.  The pattern was available in  three different sizes, and this is the smallest size.

I really needed some-one to model this bag, so you could see how cute it really is ... it does not look quite the same just sitting on display.  I may be able to find a model for my next one (or two)

Hope you have had a crafting day

Judy

Getting Ready

I have not had the opportunity to get into the craft studio much this week, but with a long weekend in Australia, I managed to sneak a few hours yesterday.

I got started on my "Pink Ribbon" thank you gifts - I need to make approx. 50 items, and I finished 20 card holder key rings yesterday.  Great sense of achievement.

I still have another two different pink ribbon fabrics, so will be cutting more out soon.

While I was going, I made a couple in "coffee" fabric.  One for myself (with a emery board cover) and one as a gift.  I am finding that these have become my "go to" quick handmade gift.

I must be getting organised, not only am I getting the Pink Ribbon gifts ready (due October) but I have started looking at Christmas patterns, scary!

Judy

iPad Pillow

Yes, I made time to make this iPad pillow today.  I have been wanting to make something similar for a long time, so that I can rest my iPad on something while I read, and browse the web.

However, I was disappointed with the end result.  It seemed too "chunky".  Not sure of the right word to use, but it was not what I imagined.  It does seem to do the job, but then I think a under filled cushion would have worked also.  It may have even been the fabric choice, I am not sure?

Photo showing the front without the iPad.

Now the side view

This may be one of those projects that you pull apart and start again.  I followed the instructions from Janet At All Trades.  It had a few gaps in the instructions, but if you can sew, you can work it out.  Willing to offer advice to anyone that has difficulty with this project. 

I think I will stick with knitting dishcloths and soap sweaters for a while now.  I received my wool and cotton from Bendigo Woolen Mills and want to start using them.

Judy

Fabric Origami Bag

Last night I had a chance to whip up the Fabric Origami Bag that has been on my list of things to make.

This bag has a number of little pockets in the front that you can fill with goodies.

I followed the tutorial from here.  I found the site slow to load due to the number of photos in the tutorial, however it was very easy to follow. I think the only omission I found was that it did not mention the fact that you must leave a gap to turn the fabric right side out in the first step.

See how this flap lifts up, you could hide a special  gift in here?

It is quite roomy in the interior

Filled with some handmade items,  tissue cover, emery board cover & card holder keyring

Maybe fill it with sewing items for a gift ... See that Folded Christmas Tree pattern, another on my list of many things to make!

This bag can be made any size, it just depends on the size of your fabric.

I hope to be able to find time over the weekend, to make the iPad pillow, although the Flood Damage repairs have started at my Mothers house, so I have taken over the cooking duties as well as providing bathroom access.  Her entire kitchen & bathroom have been gutted, walls, floors removed.  I cannot convince her to move in with me for the duration, and for a lady of her age she is handling the disruption very well.  They estimate two weeks to have the bathroom back in use, ouch!

Enjoy your weekend

Judy